Description

Five is the sixth studio album by the English musician, songwriter, and singer Tony Banks. It was released on 23 February 2018 by BMG Records. It is his third album of classical music, following Seven: A Suite for Orchestra and Six Pieces for Orchestra.

Reviews

Okay, this is really nice. When I started listening, I thought, "I like it, four stars," but it just kept getting better as it went. 'Prelude to a Million Years' starts off slow but quickly introduces elements that are somehow familiar, yet new. I was reminded of records like 'A Trick of the Tail' and 'Wind and Wuthering', but it's just something reminiscent, not a copy. Fresh nostalgia? Then 'Reveille' kicks in with a notably more upbeat feel. "Now THAT'S Tony Banks," I thought. I'm flashing back, and I'm happy! But the pieces keep getting deeper and richer and more emotional as it goes. 'Ebb and Flow', 'Autumn Sonata'... and then 'Renaissance' - I think my favorite of the five. Just beautiful! I grew up with Genesis, and I still love their music from the '70s, some even moreso now than I did then ('Firth of Fifth' anyone?). As I've grown older my tastes have shifted towards bigger, more involved music, and the classical music stations are definitely my mainstay these days. It's really great to have an album like this which so seamlessly bridges from then to now, from there to here in my life, both familiar and new. Thank you, Maestro Tony. Five stars.

User reviews

Mike R March 2, 2018

Okay, this is really nice. When I started listening, I thought, "I like it, four stars," but it just kept getting better as it went. 'Prelude to a Million Years' starts off slow but quickly introduces elements that are somehow familiar, yet new. I was reminded of records like 'A Trick of the Tail' and 'Wind and Wuthering', but it's just something reminiscent, not a copy. Fresh nostalgia? Then 'Reveille' kicks in with a notably more upbeat feel. "Now THAT'S Tony Banks," I thought. I'm flashing back, and I'm happy! But the pieces keep getting deeper and richer and more emotional as it goes. 'Ebb and Flow', 'Autumn Sonata'... and then 'Renaissance' - I think my favorite of the five. Just beautiful! I grew up with Genesis, and I still love their music from the '70s, some even moreso now than I did then ('Firth of Fifth' anyone?). As I've grown older my tastes have shifted towards bigger, more involved music, and the classical music stations are definitely my mainstay these days. It's really great to have an album like this which so seamlessly bridges from then to now, from there to here in my life, both familiar and new. Thank you, Maestro Tony. Five stars.